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I wish to talk about a topic that is dear to me. I do not believe in Esoteric intelligence. I believe that knowledge informs intelligence & this can be attained by all in the right circumstances. I also believe there are bad teachers, redundant policies & social precariousness.
For the most part of my early life, I was made to believe, subtly & explicitly, that I wasn't good enough for maths. That while I could perform well in social subjects, sciences were not for me. I lived in a reality that had been designed for me - socially.
It all culminated in a 12% mark when I was joining form 3 & it was sad to hear the teacher say, "I won't even cane you. This is hopeless". I don't think he meant to be mean, but I was hurt nonetheless, and for the next 1 month, I would commit myself to the revision of past papers
I would spend the time I normally spent PE to go through math exams & practice. And when the first CAT was given, I scored 30/30. Everybody said I cheated. I set out to prove them wrong. A maths teacher noticed my new fascination. Gave me even more past papers. Engaged me more.
And I stand here today, saying that the Bunyore Girls maths contests were my fodder; That I - a kid who had never scored above 30% in maths before form 3 - had maths as his highest score in the university entrance exam. It was a solid A; So was Business; So was English.
Men are not born intelligent. Intelligence is primed. I hear parents sometimes tell their kids, "you are not good at maths. Because I was not too". I heard it from my mother. And I know it comes from a place of love, but you can't write your child off.
Sometimes, you come across certain "intelligent" people online, & you are awestruck by their eloquence. And if you are not careful, you will start feeling inadequate. But it's not true. You are just as intelligent. Maybe less knowledgeable, but just as intelligent. Read more.
Now some teachers are good. They engage your children productively, identify their strengths, & leverage that to foster excellence. Some teachers are bad. They preach exceptionalism. They're indolent & angry. Make it a point to know the teacher. Bad teachers make bad citizens.
